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| Kambwanji sets new record |
Zimbabwean midfielder Evans Kambwanji set a new record on Monday, becoming Shark Utd's record appearance holder with 316 appearances, beating the previous record held by Leandro De Burro.
The 36 year old, who will retire at the end of the season, made his debut back in season 21 as a 17 year old. He has been with the team ever since, with the current season being his 20th and final. Over that time he has seen the team rise through the Divisions, from Division 6 right up to the Ultimate League top flight. We caught up with Kambwanji on the eve of the game, to discuss his remarkable achievement and his twenty season career.
What was it like being called up to the first team at the age of 17?
"I remember the bossman (manager Van Rental) taking over the team and the first thing he wanted to do was bring the youth through as the future. He checked out the youth team game and saw me and Sergio (Cardenas) playing. He saw something in us and promoted us straight away. Next thing I knew I was making my first team debut. I think we won, but the whole 90 minutes is a blur."
What is your high and low for Shark Utd?
"The high was my debut. One day I was a refugee escaping Zimbabwe, the next moment I was playing Ultimate League football. All the effort that me and my family had made and the sacrifices were finally worth it. Promotion to the top flight was another high. After years of toil we had finally made it. The fact we only lasted one season is a definite low. I got injured early on, came back and then was injured again. I had to watch from the sidelines as the team struggled and I couldn't do anything about it. After my injuries I decided that perhaps now was the time to hand over to the younger generation."
How do you feel about becoming Shark Utds record appearance holder?
"It's something I never thought would happen. There are a lot of quality players who have played for this team, players who have appeared in the XCL. De Burro, Riberio and my idol Hugo Parri, all who I thought I would never surpass. The bossman has had faith in me, and I'm delighted to repay that faith."
What does the future hold for you and Shark Utd?
"I will be retiring at the end of the season and combing a youth development, scouting and club ambassador role, so will be very busy! I will be heading back to Africa to search for up and coming talent, the next Evans Kambwanji if you like. Youth is the future of the club and I want to put back something into the club. Hopefully Shark Utd will be back in the big time next season with the bossman in charge but who knows, after twenty seasons in charge he might want a fresh start too."
Unfortunately Kambwanji could not celebrate his record appearance in style, as Shark Utd fell to a shock one nil home defeat. Kambwanji will be hoping for better performances in the future so he can finish his season on a high and in style.
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